Sport Volunteers Honoured At Awards

The achievements and dedication of local sports people, volunteers and coaches were celebrated by the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Rob Appleyard and special guest, Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Millward, at an awards ceremony held on Wednesday.

At the Chairman’s Sport Awards 2013, which took place at the Guildhall in Bath, all nominees were presented with certificates recognising their contributions. The winners were also awarded a piece of Bath Aqua Blue glass and one-year’s free platinum membership to Aquaterra sports facilities.

Chairman of the Council, Councillor Rob Appleyard said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the marvellous achievements and dedication of our local sports people, volunteers and coaches. I hope that their devotion to sporting activities in our communities continues to inspire others to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and get active with the support of Bath & North East Somerset Council.”

The Chairman’s Special Award was presented to Keynsham Junior Football Club for their work in the community, including free coaching sessions for local autistic organisation Butterflies and free after-school sessions. The club also engages with parents and volunteers; encouraging children to develop as players and latterly, as coaches and referees, giving back what they have learned as youth leaders.

A new category for 2013 was the Contribution to Inclusive Sport (club /individual) in recognition of an individual or club/organisation who has made a significant contribution to inclusive sport within Bath and North East Somerset. The winner was Greenhill House Boccia Team who have inspired residents to get more active through this Paralympic sport.

Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Millward said: “It is real honour for me to be invited to present the Chairman’s Sport Awards this year. It is great to see all the fantastic work that is going on in the community and to be able to reward ordinary people who have gone the extra mile.  As far as I am concerned they really are ‘super humans’.”

The Aquaterra sponsored Healthy Lifestyles Achievement Award recognised the achievements of individuals involved with community programmes such as cycling, walking, running and Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Passport to Health scheme. The winner this year was Brian Fooks who has inspired others to be more active after suffering a stroke.

Also new this year was the Official of the Year Award, in recognition of the hard work of local referees and umpires. The award was presented to Jenny Dennis, of Bath, who has shown a high level of dedication and commitment to ensuring high standards and professionalism.

Chairman’s Sport Awards award winners: 

More information about the Chairman’s Sport Awards is available at www.bathnes.gov.uk/CSA2013.